
HSP/SPS Resources
Do you think you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or someone with Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)? Find out through this self assessment.
Are you parenting a child who you think might be highly sensitive? This assessment may help you understand!
Or maybe you are curious if you are High Sensation Seeking. There's a self assessment for you, too!
What is HSP and what is SPS?
See our Top Ten Traits of HSPs
Thriving HSP Group
Virtual
Returning in May after a break in April
You are invited to join us for our Thriving HSP Group!
​
Adina and Anna are excited to join with you in exploring what it means to be an HSP/SPS in this world, with discussion topics and activities to explore.​ This group is for individuals 16 years old and over.
​
Most insurances are accepted for this group, and private pay options are available. ​​
​
Please sign up with interest below, and a facilitator will be in touch with next steps.
​
May 11 - The Emotional Chameleon: Comparison and Criticism
May 28 - Full Brain, Tired Body: Slowing Down, Self Care and Downtime
June 8 - Dark Water, Deep Sky: Managing and Sharing our Gift of Emotional Depth
June 25 - Grief and Loss as an HSP
July 13 - Social Navigation in Every Relationship
July 23 - Transitions in Every Corner of Life
Sign Up!
Top Ten Traits of HSPs
Highly sensitive people (HSPs) experience the world through a richer, more finely tuned lens. These common traits help capture what it’s like to navigate life with this unique personality style:
​
-
You think about things really deeply: You don't skim the surface; you dive deep into thoughts, ideas, and decisions, often mulling things over carefully before making a move.
-
Crowds and noise can be a lot: You tend to get overwhelmed easily by sensory "noise"—loud sounds, bright lights, chaotic crowds, or strong smells can leave you feeling frazzled.
-
You're a natural empath: You really feel other people’s feelings and moods, easily stepping into their shoes and often absorbing the emotional atmosphere of a room.
-
Quiet alone time is essential: Recharge time isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity. You need regular moments of peace and quiet to decompress and reset your nervous system.
-
You notice all the little things: You pick up on subtleties that others miss—a slight shift in tone of voice, a tiny detail in a room, or a delicate change in the weather.
-
Art, music, and nature move you deeply: You have a rich inner world and find profound joy and meaning in beauty, creativity, and the natural world.
-
Criticism stings more than average: Conflict and negative feedback feel intense, leading you to be extra thoughtful about how you navigate relationships and potential disagreements.
-
You're super conscientious: You take your responsibilities seriously and tend to be very detail-oriented and reliable, often going above and beyond in your work.
-
You prefer gentle entertainment: Intense or violent movies, TV shows, and news stories can feel physically and emotionally jarring, so you often opt for calmer viewing experiences.
-
Emotions are big and vibrant: You feel everything intensely—the highs are higher, and the lows are lower. You live life with the volume turned up on your feelings.
Wait... I know HSP, but what is SPS?
HSP and SPS refer to the same concept: a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an individual with high Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). The terms are often used interchangeably, with SPS being the scientific term used in academic research.
​
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)
SPS is a biologically-based, innate personality trait involving a more sensitive central nervous system and a deeper cognitive processing of stimuli, affecting an estimated 15-20% of the population in humans and over 100 other species. It is not considered a disorder or a clinical condition, but rather a normal variation in temperament.
​
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
A person who scores highly on measures of SPS (such as the Highly Sensitive Person Scale developed by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron) is referred to as a Highly Sensitive Person.
